TV and radio presenter Michael Underwood is joining Virgin Radio Groove to host the station’s 10am-2pm weekend slot.

Last month the presenter – who is also a teacher – fronted Virgin Radio’s hugely successful 500 Words: Black Lives Matter children’s writing competition alongside his wife, TV presenter Angellica Bell. Michael and Angellica hosted a stream of famous names reading out the shortlisters and winners, including David Tennant, Jim Broadbent, Shobna Gulati, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mark Strong and Nicole Kidman.

Michael said: “The Virgin Radio family is the home of the best music on the radio and it’s a real treat to host Weekends on Virgin Radio Groove. If you want to get your groove on with all the best feel-good music, come and join us!”

Virgin Radio Content Director Mike Cass said: “Michael is a highly talented DJ and presenter and is a huge addition to the network. Virgin Radio Groove is the home for the best music to make you move; add in Michael’s natural charm and it’s guaranteed, feel good radio every weekend.”

Michael’s broadcast career has included a stint as a reporter on The One Show, as guest Entertainment Editor on Good Morning Britain and as reporter for This Morning, as well as landing prime time ITV series Let Me Entertain You and later working on ITV’s prime time current affairs programme Real Stories. Michael began his career at BBC Radio Northampton before moving on to present a range of hit children’s TV series on CBBC and CITV. His passion for inspiring young people has led him to embark on a second career as a school teacher.

Virgin Radio Groove is a digital-only channel that launched in January and is available on smart speakers, online, the Virgin Radio app and on DAB in London and Central Scotland.

The presenter-led channel is focused on rhythmic pop from the 1970s to the present day with its eclectic playlist to get the nation moving including everything from Beyonce’s Crazy In Love to Earth, Wind and Fire’s Boogie Wonderland, Jamiroquai’s Space Cowboy to Kylie’s Spinning Around.

Virgin Radio Groove’s sister stations Virgin Radio Anthems, with the best guitar-led classics from the 60’s to the 90’s; and Virgin Radio Chilled, with a more laid-back repertoire of singer-songwriters makes up the rest of the Virgin Radio family along with the Virgin Radio UK channel. They all broadcast the Chris Evans Breakfast Show with Sky.

Michael Underwood starts on Saturday August 15.